The Commonplace Tarot Deck

The Commonplace Tarot Deck is a 78-card set by artist Nell Latimer, designed to offer a personal interpretation of the traditional tarot system. Following her successful Commonplace Oracle Deck, this tarot collection draws its name and artistic approach from the concept of a 'commonplace book' — a personal compilation of sketches, old photographs, notes, and observations. The deck maintains the conventional structure of 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards, with illustrations that blend familiar stories, animals, plants, and icons with a sense of underlying mystery.

Latimer's intention was to create a deck that is both recognizable and intuitive, merging the hierarchical structure of traditional tarot, which often depicts royalty and nobility, with a narrative rooted in folklore, personal experience, and an appreciation for the natural world. The cards are designed to be frequently consulted, acting as a 'memorandum' for reflection and insight. The deck aims to open doors to new patterns of thought, comfort, and inspiration, reflecting a personal interest in magic and the environment while remaining accessible for interpretation.

Produced from original linocut prints, the deck is digitally printed on quality 300gsm smooth card stock for ease of shuffling and dealing. Each deck is presented in a bespoke tuck box. The campaign successfully funded in 2019, raising $16,477 from 316 backers, with an initial production run of approximately 500 decks. The project also offered a machine-made version of the original Commonplace Oracle deck, available as a dual pack or deluxe package.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who appreciate traditional printmaking aesthetics, particularly those drawn to linocut or woodcut art. It appeals to individuals seeking a deck with a strong connection to folklore, nature, and personal introspection, offering a unique visual take on classic tarot archetypes. Experienced readers familiar with Rider-Waite or Marseilles systems will find the structure recognizable, while the distinct artwork provides fresh interpretive layers. Collectors of indie or art-focused decks will also value its unique artistic origin.

Nell Latimer, the creator, has over 25 years of experience using Tarot. Her journey into deck creation began with the successful Commonplace Oracle deck, which was a collection of interlinked linocut illustrations drawn from a lifetime of sketches, old photographs, notes, and observations. Encouraged by the positive reception of the oracle deck, Latimer embarked on creating her own interpretation of the traditional tarot, applying the same 'commonplace' method of collation to this 78-card set. Her process involves transforming original illustrations from her personal commonplace book into linocut prints, which are then digitally reproduced for the deck.